Why spring is peak season
Four forces hit at once:
· Snowbirds return north. Seasonal residents leaving Florida, Arizona, and Texas ship cars instead of driving.
· Moving season begins. Job transfers, college moves, lease turnovers all cluster in spring.
· Online car buying accelerates. Carvana, Vroom, and auction activity create constant transport demand.
· Dealers reposition inventory. Q2 inventory shifts add commercial volume on top of consumer demand.
What happens to prices
Spring and summer rates run 15–30% higher than winter on the same routes. Northbound corridors from the Sun Belt are the most premium:
· Florida → Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, MA)
· Florida → Midwest (IL, OH, MI)
· Arizona/Nevada → Pacific Northwest
· Texas → Central and Northern states
Last-minute bookings face the steepest premiums — available capacity is already claimed.
How to get ahead of the rush
· Book early. 2–3 weeks out gives you better pricing and more carrier options.
· Lock your price before your dates. At SendMyRide, your price is guaranteed at booking — even if market rates climb before pickup, your number doesn't change.
· Have your vehicle ready. Keys, accessibility, personal items removed — delays cascade fast in peak season.
Transit expectations
· Under 500 miles: 1–3 days
· 500–1,500 miles: 3–5 days
· 1,500+ miles: 5–9 days
Spring weather is favorable — fewer delays than winter. But high demand may extend pickup windows slightly, so build a 2-day buffer into your plan. Real-time GPS tracking is included on every SendMyRide shipment.
Don't wait until the rush is on
The customers who get the best rates in April and May are the ones who booked in March. Get a fixed quote in 60 seconds — locked the moment you confirm, no deposit required.